Inguinal hernias

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia to develop in adults, accounting for 66% of all hernias. They occur in a part of the abdominal wall called the inguinal canal.  The inguinal hernia is more common in men. A man's testicles descend through the inguinal canal whilst in the womb, leaving what could be called a natural defect.  This internal ring that can develop into a hernia if it doesn't heal properly, thus the contents of the abdomen and  intestines may protrude creating pain and a bulge.

Inguinal hernias are found in the lower abdomen  near the pubic area. If they  occur on both sides this is called bilateral inguinal hernias. Inguinal hernias are also called groin hernias, and can produce pain that extends into the upper thigh or scrotum. When Inguinal hernias are repaired with a technique called tension repair, failure rates are 15%, which the inguinal hernia may reappear in time. Other hernia repairs are available that have a much lower recurrence rate.